Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 250 | Saturday, February 6, 2021

WHY DO HOSPITALS NEED UPS? COMPETITIVE P8

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, together with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Atty. Martin B. Delgra III, LTFRB XI Regional Director Nonito Llanos III, Metro Shuttle Corporation CEO De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy, Police Regional Office XI Director PBGen Filmore B Escobal, City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) Chief Dionisio Abude, leads the launching of Davao City’s Interim Bus System Project on Thursday. CIO

City’s interim bus system project featuring cashless transaction STORY ON PAGE 2

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

NEWS

An elderly man is being assisted by a relative during a distribution of assistance activity in Davao City. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has recently ordered the creation of a joint executive-legislative committee to strengthen the Office For Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca). Edge Davao

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Poultry production in Davao declines due to restrictions

City’s interim bus system project featuring cashless transaction

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City’s Interim Bus System (IBS) started servicing Carlos P. Garcia route via Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation using the novel cashless transaction system.

Launched on February 4, 2021, the IBS project of the city government of Davao features cashless transaction using the Automated Fair Collection System (AFCS) aiming to bring convenience and ease of transport for the riding public.

The initial service is the first route of the planned three routes of the project.

The project also uses the modern fleet management program to ensure top quality service and monitoring capabilities.

The Carlos P. Garcia route has 24 bus stops with 14 buses initially launched to cover the routes coming from Talomo-Puan Bypass Road/Libby Road Junction going to McArthur Highway-Ulas Bypass Road then along Diversion Road until Petron gasoline station at the end of Diversion Road then turning right towards the endpoint to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) building near Sasa Wharf and vice versa.

The buses for this route started servicing on Febru-

ary 5, 2021, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The bus interval will be approximately 15-20 minutes.

“This marks another milestone for Davao Metro Shuttle. No matter how short or long our routes are, we continue to pursue our company vision of making the premier bus company not only in Mindanao but Philippines. With this new route that we are servicing, we hope dako ni ug matabang sa mga commuters as they go around the city,” said De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, president and CEO of Metro Shuttle Corporation.

Nonito "Don-Don" Llanos III, regional director of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 11 (LTFRB 11), said the project initiated by the city government of Davao

aims to cater more routes not covered by the current public transport jeepneys.

“This is the first step into the ladder of aiming towards modernized public transport that the Filipinos deserve,” he said.

The launching was held at the Talomo-Puan Bypass Road/Libby Road Junction and attended by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Councilor Conrado Baluran, Land Transportation Office 11 (LTO 11) Regional Director Atty. Niel Cañedo, Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) Director PBGen Filmore B Escobal, City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) Chief Dionisio Abude, and Philippine Commission for the Urban Poor Commissioner Norman B. Baloro.

he regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced that the production level of chicken and chicken eggs in Davao Region has declined due to the restrictions imposed during the first half of 2020.

NEDA II Regional Director Maria Lourdes Lim reported that for poultry production, chicken and chicken eggs decreased by 8.62 percent and 2.92 percent, respectively last year.

“The underperformance was due to the dampened demand because of the adverse effects of community quarantine imposed nationwide in the first half of the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Lim said.

NEDA 11 also reported that for livestock such as cattle, hog, and goat production level is also decreased by 15 percent.

She said the decline in the hog production is attributed to the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF).

On the other hand,

Lim said that the production of palay increased by 3.67 percent or about 12,312 metric tons (MT) as of third quarter of 2020 while the production of white and yellow corn also increased in similar period by 10.63 percent or 12,417 MT and 5.67 percent or 2,789 MT, respectively.

Lim said the improved performance of palay can be partly attributed to the intensified efforts to provide farmers with access to high quality seeds and fertilizers under the Department of Agriculture’s 11 (DA 11’s) rice program.

“The prices of rice in 2020 was relatively stable prices. For wellmilled and regular milled rice range from P39 to P43 per kilo and the P39 for regular milled rice per kilo respectively,” she said.

She added that the National Food Authority (NFA) has maintained a steady inventory of rice to meet the consumption requirement of Davao Region’s population. Maya Padillo

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

NEWS 3

Bukidnon National High School in Malaybalay City has been placed under lockdown starting Tuesday, 2 February 2021, after five of its employees tested positive of COVID-19. Photo taken 4 February 2021 by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO/ MindaNews

DCWD: Waan now included in Apo Agua water system

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he some 4,000 residents of barangay Waan in Davao City’s Second Congressional District will be among the Dabawenyos to be serviced by the P12.5-billion bulk water project being built by the Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. This was bared by Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, deputy spokesperson of the Davao City Water District (DCWD), partner of Apo Agua in the big ticket project.

The bulk water project which will tap Tamugan River’s surface water is expected to be in full operation next year, supplying potable water to some 75 percent of the city’s population of 1.6 million.

It may be recalled that Councilor Danny C. Dayanghirang in a resolution approved unanimously by his colleagues in the Davao City

Council two Tuesdays ago urged the DCWD to include Waan as a service area of the water systems particularly of the Tamugan-sourced bulk water to be supplied

by Apo Agua to the DCWD for distribution to the city consumers through a 56-kilometer pipe distribution system.

In a text message yesterday, Duhaylungsod revealed that the DCWD has already included Waan in the bulk water supply project.

“In fact as of last reporting, our Engineering is already preparing the detailed plans for the pipeline connection to Waan from off-take point in Mandug,” she said.

“Off-take points are the storage facilities meant to receive the bulk water from Apo Agua,” JC Duhaylungsod clarified, adding that the Mandug storage facility was already completed in 2015.

Davao City to create team to look at side effects of COVID-19 vaccines

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he City Government of Davao is set to create a local committee, composed of medical health experts, that will look at the side effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines that the city will administer to its constituents.

This after the City Council of Davao passed last Tuesday an ordinance for the implementation of the COVID-19 immunization program.

Authored by 3rd District

Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte, M.D., the ordinance provides for the creation of the “Local Adverse Effects Following Immunization” (AEFI) Committee, whose members will be selected from practitioners in the following fields of expertise: pediatrics, neurology, virology/microbiology, epidemiology, immunology, forensic pathology and other medical experts in the field of geriatrics, adult

FDAVAO CITY, P10

Davao resto owners craft Covid-19 Code of Conduct

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Davao City restaurant sector vowed to police its ranks to help the city government of Davao in lowering down the number of infections in the city.

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The group came up with a Covid-19 Code of Conduct (C19CC) and pledged to voluntarily adopt it to promote self-regulation to control the infections among their ranks and for monitoring purposes.

“Two or three weeks ago Councilor Dayanghirang asked our sector what we can do to help the city.

RestoDC in consultation with other restaurant owners saw it is fit to come up with this Covid-19 Code of Conduct,” said Benjamin Lizada, president of the Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, Inc. (RestoDC) through Viber.

The group conceptualized the code of conduct

believing that the survival of their businesses depends on the quarantine classification of the city wherein the less stringent it is, the more people go out on the streets and hopefully go to their establishments.

The group also sees there is an urgent need to contribute to the city’s efforts in bringing the infections down to single digit to cause for the easing of the quarantine classification to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

The resto owners emphasized that the compliant businesses cannot continue to suffer just because a handful of habitual violators whichever sector they be-

long to, cannot comply with their sector’s mandated minimum health standards.

It is the goal of the code of conduct to provide a set of standards that will govern the operations of the restaurant sector in Davao City while operating amidst the pandemic, disseminate and implement good practices anchored on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Diseases, and promote and advance the concept of compassionate and responsible partnership as the framework for engaging fellow members, tourism stakeholders and government officials.

The resto owners vowed to fully cooperate with the government agencies tasked to monitor the compliance of the restaurants; employ the measures required, and accept any

penalty meted out by the proper government agency for violations of the IATF guidelines with a contrite admission of wrongdoing and firm resolve of rectification of transgressions; and exhibit unmistakable compliance with the IATF guidelines to serve as a model to their clients, suppliers, fellow restaurant owners and the general public.

The restaurant owners affirmed to coordinate closely with the city government of Davao through the Tourism Council of Davao City (TCDC) and participate in ensuring compliance by proactively engaging violators together with the monitoring teams.

“Matagal pa mag-normalize. We all need to do our part,” Lizada said.

The group is hopeful that the other sectors would follow suit and create their own C19CC.

"In December 2020, the EU has signed a contract with the WHO over 20 million euro to support the Covid-19 response in Asean countries. About 2.3 million euro of this amount will directly support WHO’s work in the Philippines," the delegation said in a statement.

"One focal area will be on

the vaccine rollout, including support to reach vulnerable and isolated communities in the Philippines.”

The delegation also assured that Manila is exempted from the EU's export ban on Covid-19 vaccines.

"No impact to the Philippines as well as to other poor countries as exports to

these countries are exempted from the export ban. The authorization mechanism for exports of Covid-19 vaccines include a wide range of exemptions from prior authorization, to ensure the EU continues to fully honor its commitments to deliver the vaccine to our direct

P132.6-M EU aid to help WHO Covid-19 works, vaccine rollout

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he European Union Delegation in Manila on Thursday said around 2.3-million euro aid (some PHP132.62 million) from EU would directly support the World Health Organization's (WHO) Covid-19 response in the Philippines, with vaccine rollout as one of the focal areas.

FP132.6-M, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

A consumer buys dressed chicken at the wet section of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Friday. An economist from Moody’s Analytics said the country’s inflation is likely to quicken to 4.1 to 4.2 percent in 2021, above the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range. Edge Davao

PH inflation up to 4.2% in T 2021: Moody’s analyst

BSP, BFAR to use interactive game for fisherfolk’s fin-ed

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hilippine inflation may breach the government’s target this year as the economy reopens and service industries see a surge in demand, an economist from Moody’s Analytics said on Thursday.

Steven Cochrane, chief Asia-Pacific economist at Moody's Analytics, said inflation is likely to quicken to 4.1 to 4.2 percent in 2021, above the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range even if the government manages to tame surging food prices.

He said food prices may not rise as much in previous

months as supply chains get back in order, but there could be inflation in services as the year progresses.

Cochrane said the economy is likely to grow 6.5 to 7 percent this year, lagging behind Vietnam and Singapore in the region, as the country continues to feel the effects of last year’s “very long and

strict quarantine.”

“They were stricter and longer here than about just anywhere else,” he said.

Another drag on growth is the country’s “modest” level of stimulus spending, which pale in comparison to its neighbors like Singapore and Malaysia.

The Philippines is also slower than its neighbors on vaccine rollout, Cochrane said, with the country seen achieving herd immunity through vaccination by early next year at the earliest.

Cochrane said that non-performing loans or bad loans will be a problem

Nissan-commissioned study by market research firm Frost & Sullivan shows that Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand are the top three nations in Southeast Asia with the highest inclination in adopting electric vehicles.

At the Nissan FUTURES—Electrification and Beyond virtual event Thursday, Frost & Sullivan associate partner and senior vice president for intelligent mobility Vivek Vaidya said one in three customers in

Asean is still certain to consider purchasing an electric vehicle as their next car purchase in the next three years.

Electric vehicles run fully on battery such as battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid, and vehicles using e-Power technology.

“This is on the back of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). When people lost their jobs, there are deductions in incomes, there were laying off (workers), people are working from home, and more importantly, the oil reached (an) all-

time low,” Vaidya said.

He added that the survey also showed a significant lowering of barriers for Asean consumers to purchase electric vehicles from the last survey in 2018.

Although now tamed, among the top concerns of consumers in buying electrified vehicles include fear of running out of power, availability of charging infrastructure, and safety of these vehicles.

Vaidya said this is a positive development in the e-vehicle market in Asean.

"Our findings show that

for banks and regulators will have a big task ahead to manage bank losses and maintain lending.

But on the whole, the country’s debt levels--both sovereign and corporate-remain manageable, as they remain below average for emerging markets around the world, he said.

“So I don't think the ph not is at that point yet where they're not going to be able to reach out to the bond market and fund any extraordinary kind of spending that they may need to to put in place in the coming year or so,” Cochrane said.

consumers generally value the overall driving experience of an electrified vehicle, given their innovative and high-technology features matched with high-performance engines.

Over time, increased environmental awareness, lower maintenance costs for an electrified vehicle, coupled with tax incentives and improved public and private charging facilities, will be key motivators for consumers to possibly switch to electrified vehicles, and purchasing one in the near future," he added. (PNA)

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will use an interactive game to teach financial education (fin-ed) to about 1.9 million fisherfolk nationwide.

In a virtual briefing Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the interactive game will be pilot-tested among trainers from the BFAR and partners from fishing communities during a session to be held in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao this second quarter.

He said the game will focus on saving, preparing for future needs, the wise use of credit, benefits of microinsurance for managing risks,

managing other income sources during lean fishing seasons, and sustainable fishing.

Diokno said the training of trainers is being planned to be conducted online.

“With BFAR’s commitment to take ownership and allocate funds, we are assured of the program’s sustainability and scalability,” he said, adding that monetary authorities will help BFAR develop a framework for measuring progress and impact of the fin-ed.

Diokno said they have also inked a partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for the fin-ed of about 220,000 PNP staff and 28,000 BFP personnel. (PNA)

PH among nations with high readiness to buy e-vehicles Coin demand falls in 2020

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amid pandemic, BSP says

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ovement restrictions since the pandemic hit last year has resulted not only in the rise of digital payments but also the drop in coin demand in the country, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported.

“Based on end-2020 data, coin demand fell by 60 percent in value and 57 percent in volume, year-onyear,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a virtual

briefing Thursday.

Diokno said “while softer economic activity may have partly led to the drop, broadening access to safe and convenient e-payment options may have also contributed to the decline in coin demand.”

Citing earlier reports, Diokno said he was quoted as saying that the Philippines will be a coin-less society by 2025. (PNA)

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ECONOMY 5

A group of fishermen sails away towards Davao Gulf on Friday. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are planning to use an interactive game to teach financial education (fin-ed) to about 1.9 million fisherfolk nationwide. Edge Davao

NEDA sees PH surpassing 6.5% to 7.5% growth target in 2022

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he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is keeping its growth target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year but sees the economy maintaining such growth next year taking into account the short and medium-term impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Next year’s gross domestic product (GDP) target set under the updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) is lower than the 8 to 10-percent growth forecast announced by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) last year.

In a virtual press briefing on the release of the updated PDP 2017-2022, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said economic managers are optimistic about exceeding next year’s growth target under the updated plan.

“We think that we can actually surpass that target.

We have come up with this target early on as we were updating the PDP. But given recent developments, we at the DBCC, we are setting for ourselves a higher target and we think… we can grow much faster than the original PDP,” she said.

Under the updated PDP, the NEDA also kept the 7 to 9-percent target for the unemployment rate for this and next year, while revised

its poverty incidence target to 15.5 percent to 17.5 percent from the original 13 to 15 percent.

“Unemployment rate we know that there has been a sustained improvement from 2017 to 2019 but then again due to the pandemic, there was an increase in the unemployment rate. Furthermore, while we expect the gradual recovery beginning late 2020 and then in 2021, we also are cognizant that there will be a substantial increase in the labor force in 2022 as the first batch of the K-12 graduates will be graduating from College and are expected to join the labor force,” Edillon said.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the huge additional supply of workers next year explains why the unemployment would “temporarily” be higher. “(This is) not only due to the effects of the pandemic which we expect to improve by that time but also due to the additional temporary increase in the labor force.

But after that year, we will see the economy adjusting,” he said.

Edillon said about 2.4 million to 2.8 million jobs are expected to be created this year, and then between 1 million to 1.2 million jobs in 2022. (PNA)

MSMEs, academe link up for business recovery

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arious micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are being linked up with academe experts to help them address business challenges.

A statement from the Department of Trade and Industry in Region 11 (DTI11) said Thursday MSMEs are one of the hardest-hit by the pandemic, following lockdowns and restrictions that have been going on for almost a year.

To help businesses survive, DTI-11 said the Davao Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) came up with the Innovation for

Business Recovery (IBR) Plan project.

It said the IBR intends to come up with compact yet innovative strategic plans of action with the help of the identified academe experts, which the businesses can adopt in their operations to maximize chances of survival.

Maria Belenda Ambi, DTI-11 regional director said, the Davao RIIC is look-

ing into the possibility of onboarding as many MSMEs in the project.

“The project is expected to pinpoint the MSMEs’ needs and provide innovative solutions to their problems with the help of subject matter experts from the academe. We are also considering its expansion by forging partnerships with more graduate schools in the region,” she said.

To date, she said the project works with the first batch of MSMEs such as the Healthy Sweets Mindanao Corporation, Malagos Foods, Nutricient Corpora-

tion, As & Rs Food Products, D' Farmer's Market, and King's Baked Foods.

Launched in December last year, IBR is handled by the RIIC member-agencies, which include the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Philippine Information Agency.

The academic institutions involved in the project are the University of the Philippines–Mindanao Campus and Ateneo de Davao University. (PNA)

portation is an immediate remedy for the lack of local supply that pushed pork prices to rise, and it should be implemented “until such time that the spread of the ASF is curbed and local hog raisers can safely return to their industry”.

“The risk of contamination and spread of the virus is really high because there is no available vaccine yet for ASF. A calibrated importation program is an option, (the) government can consider to secure supply

and bring down the price of pork," PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said in a statement Thursday.

Yujuico added this move of outsourcing more pork is consistent with the DA’s food security program.

While the government imports to meet the market demand for pork, the PCCI said the DA and other government agencies should continue in strengthening the local production.

Programs that will help local producers to be more

competitive include more accessible financing, providing technology support, accelerating infrastructure projects, and increasing cold storage facilities for the agriculture sector.

“The DA is doing its level best to address the situation. The allocation of funds should be able to help indemnify hog farmers and to help them as they cope with the shortage brought about by the African swine fever,” PCCI director for agriculture Roberto Amores said. (PNA)

PCCI supports Agri dept. calibrated pork importation

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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, has expressed its support to the Department of Agriculture (DA) in ensuring supply of meat in the local market.

The PCCI proposed a “calibrated importation of pork” amid the shortage in local production due to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak.

The business group said the calibrated pork im-

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

On the decline in poultry production last year: The underperformance was due to the dampened demand because of the adverse effects of community quarantine imposed nationwide in the first half of the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Maria Lourdes Lim

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director

EDITORIAL

Ramping up tests and stubbornness jabs

Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic, some things have not changed.

That old trait of stubbornness, for one, is still alive even under the new normal.

Hence, it’s not surprising that we still have high numbers of people testing positive for coronavirus as well as the number of violators of health protocols. In fact, the two figures if put on columns side by side in a table, would be in a tight race hitting the ceiling.

For local government units, there is a need to provide the accurate situation on the ground and not just to boast about protocols and restrictions in place to try to limit the spread of the virus. In nearby Mati City alone in Davao Oriental, the cases have risen lately and although undisclosed, the LGU is reportedly running out of rooms in their Covid-19 isolation facilities.

To address the situation, those who tested positive at the time where there is no room available were told to isolate at home.

Home isolation is not the best solution at this point in limiting the spread of the virus. Unless there is no other person or persons at home other than those who have returned positive results.

There is also the issue of very slow turnover of test results owing to several factors like transport time, and volume of tests.

It is worthwhile to consider, at this point, home testing kits that have been developed of late and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Home testing kits, both via nasal swabs and another which is a saliva-based kit, have earned the approval of the US FDA and the FDA in the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Recently, the United States Department of Defense has awarded a contract worth $US230 million to Brisbane-based biotech firm Ellume to ramp up production of its COVID-19 home test kits. The money will allow increased production of the kits, boosting the number of tests undertaken in the US by 640,000 tests per day by the end of the year, with 8.5 million kits to be distributed directly by the US Government.

Ellume’s COVID-19 test is the first at-home test to get US FDA emergency approval, with the company saying it has an accuracy rate of around 95 per cent. It is designed to detect fragments of the virus from a nasal swab sample from a person as young as two years old. It can be performed in 15 minutes with results reported via a smartphone app. The test will be able to be purchased without a prescription in the US without assistance from a physician or healthcare provider.

The saliva-based kit, which is sourced from Malaysia, has received the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines and has also been approved in Singapore and Indonesia, can detect the new strains of Covid-19 that have been reported in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. Distributor MyEG said the diagnostic kit enables the on-site collection of saliva samples at home or at the workplace by licensed medical professionals, after which samples are then sent to partner laboratories for processing, with test results delivered within one to two working days.

It is imperative that amidst the yet uncertain future we face in the midst of this pandemic, the ability to quickly test, to contact trace and quarantine will serve as the linchpin a national strategy aimed at containing the virus and stopping community spread.

Add to that, a vaccine against stubbornness, if any.

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VOL.13 I SSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

BAYANIHAN FOR WELLBEING HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

LET’S DRINK TO THAT!

“I would not put a thief in my mouth to steal my brains.” ― William Shakespeare in Othello for WellTHE Bayanihan Being Initiative***led by It came to pass that theInc., Queen Unilab Foundation, isof Death calledus an the emergency meeting. bringing first-ever She wantedFamily to assign a new prime Filipino WellBeing minister, one who would hapbe able to Virtual Conference kill the most pening onpeople.

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All had their that offersand various perspectives on say. family wellbeing.

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“My Inname termsisofDrunkenness.” psychological impact,

a study entitled “Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines (Tee, 2020)” showed that a significant percentage, ranging from 13% to almost 17% of respondents have rated the psychological impact of the pandemic, its effects on depressive symptoms and anxiety levels to be moderate to severe. Meanwhile, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) noted a significant increase in monthly calls from 80 pre-lockdown to nearly 400 Male seafarers can be theduring subject the quarantine. of sexual harassment while working among the unpreconMeanwhile, board the vessel entitling them to edented social concerns that surmoral damages. facedSexual duringharassment the lockdown famicanishappen lies worrying over their children’s to anyone and everyone. education when schools to in The Supreme Courtshifted stressed online, remote, or distance learnthe case of Toliongco vs. Anglo-Easting.

Children normally ern Crew Mgt.who (G.R.would No. 231748, July

8, 2020) that sexual harassment must be recognized as a risk faced by our seafarers and which should not be merely seen as a gender issue, rather it is a power issue.

The seafarer was employed as PICKING UP PACE with messman. the new year and doesn’t The seafarer claimed that when always have to be he served dinner to theboring Chief Officer, or You the challenging. latter demanded thatdon’t he masturalways have to go about bate and perform oral sex on him. He your alone. resistedroutines and left the room. Stay connected with That same night,friends the chief and officer keep yourself and bescalled for him again, and,your repeated the tie busy with productive and sexual advances.

On the second atfun do together! tempt,things he alsoto resisted and managed This helps create a nice rhythm to escape. and routine follow as the youfollowwelHe filed to a complaint come better days while keeping ing day for physical abuse and sexual safety in mind. abuse protocols under alcohol intake against Here are some activities that the Chief Officer before the Captain.

She won; and to this day she is still prime minister. No one has come close to unseating her.

“Do you drink?” someone asked Stephen King, the American author of contemporary horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy.

“Of course,” replied King (of The Shawshank Redemption, Stand by Me, and The Shining distinction), “I just said I was a writer.”

“I drink to make other people more interesting,” commented Ernest Hemingway, whose economical and understated style of writing had a strong influence on 20th-century fiction and whose life of adventure and his public image influenced later generations.

When it comes to humor, Benjamin Franklin seemed to have it all. “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria,” he wrote.

British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill this anecdote: play outsideshared are required to stay “A lady came up to me one day andwho said within their homes and adults ‘Sir! You are drunk,’ to which I replied, have shifted to working from home ‘‘I amhad drunk today household madam, and now to balance andtomorrow I shall be sober but you career responsibilities, accordingwill to be ugly.’” astill 2020 report by the Humanitarian Edgar Research Allan Poe,Center another Amerand Social (INSican writer, editor, and literary critic AMER).

who is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre, once said: “I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.”

“If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink,” goes an old saying.

Had Henri Paul, the Ritz Hotel security guard who drove the limousine in which Princess Diana died, taken the above advice, the England’s Rose and her companion, Dodi AlFayed as well as Paul himself would still be alive today.

Three sets of tests on the body of Paul showed he was three times over the legal drink-drive limit and had taken an antidepressant and a sedative inhibiting or aggressive program with agitated the support of the behavior. The drugs reportedly can Philippine Psychiatric Association, impair judgement, and doctors in fact Psychological Association of the caution patients againstGuidance driving or Philippines, Philippine drinking when using them. and and Counseling Association, “Obviously, Mr.for Paul should Philippine Society Child and not have been Psychiatry. at the wheel,” Bernard Adolescent Dartevelle, lawyer for the Al-Fayed Executive aDirector of Unilab

Foundation Lilibeth Aristorenas shared, “Months long after the Role of Family Wellbeing start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Family wellbeing is central to many Filipinos still experience addressing issues associated with these challenges. The National Cen- the effects of social confinement, financial disruptions, and burdens ter on Parent, Family, and Comof work-life integration. Amplified munity Engagement (NCPFCE) by different crises in the past year, defines family wellbeing simply as PINOY MARINO RIGHTS these stressors continue to debilitate the “safety, health, and financial security of the whole family”, which the youth, families, and communiencompasses both physical and ties from maximizing their daily life activities. “ mental health.

“It is in uncertain times like this The vision of the Bayanihan for that mental health andCourt wellbe-underWellBeing (BWB) Initiative is for The chief officer threatened to The Supreme ing must be put at the forefront to mental health and family wellbekill him upon learning of the com- scored that victims of sexual abuse address these stresses.

Forming ing to be holistic, inclusive, and plaint. usually take time before reporting to familial relationships not empowering, targeting particularly The seafarer was later repatriat- healthy the proper authorities, more sodo if they only help the youth cope with the families in the Pantawid ng Pamilyed to the Philippines. are male as society has made it hard crises but are also essential ang Pilipino Programlater, (4Ps)hetofiled join a effects Several months for maleofvictims of sexual harassment helping them feel love and security, the discussion.

The BWB Collabcomplaint for constructive dismissal, to come out and report. which“Our impacts their orative is led by Unilab Foundasexual harassment and maltreatment society hasbrain oftendevelopdepicted tion, Inc. through its Heads Up PH ment and sense of self and helps with prayer for the payment of dis- women as being the weaker sex, and

DENNIS R. GORECHO

mental health of the family, which can hopefully build meaningful partnerships and cultivate a culture of family wellbeing promotion.

To kick-off the conference, a panel discussion on the challenges and strengths of the Filipino family during the pandemic will take place on February 12 at 9 AM. The second session will take place on February 13 at 9 AM and will tackle how to provide a more active role in addressing family wellbeing panel discussion as formthrough of sexistaremarks, sexual advancwell as activity-based target group es or sex-related behavior. sessions.

It is a reflection of the power reLastly, the third session will lations between individuals involved happen on February 13 at 4 PM where, in most instances, the harassfeaturing a discussion of different er is an officer occupying a higher types of Filipino families and their rank than the seafarer. stories from young couples and The Court cited a separate single parents to OFWs to conclude

was not only acceptable, it was esteemed and revered.

Jesus Christ used wine as a mirthe conference. acle byFilipino transforming it from water; at The Family WellBethe Conference Last Supper,isimbued it with ing completely freethe symbol Wine inand early and openoftohisallblood. from medical historyprofessionals was often vinegary and drunk health and developdiluted with water. ment workers to educators, parents, As andstated the youth.

To drinking join the and earlier, event, you can register at bit.ly/ driving don’t mix. In the United FFWC2021RegForm and watch the States, a fatal accident, involving the at the Bayanihan for liveslivestream of four young people, took place WellBeing Facebook page at faceupon one of the country’s highways. book.com/BayanihanForWellBeing.

The evidence that the liquor was the You was can also support the event by culprit found in the broken whisdonating a Bayanihan for WellBeky bottles among the debris and the ing Resiliency Play Bag,four which is mangled bodies of the youthful composed of: (1) Toys like sipa and victims. kickball, which are intended to The father of one of the girlshelp was children release tension; (2) Cape in deep anguish over the untimely and mask which they could design, death of his daughter. He threatened allowing them to identify their to kill the one who had provided the strengths and make them feel like four young people with liquor, but Superheroes; and (3) Writing and upon going to the cupboard where coloring sheets to encourage their he kept his supply of choice bevercreativity and help them express ages, he found a note in his daughtheir emotions. ter’s handwriting: “Dad, we’re taking For as little as Php250 / $5.00, alongcan some your good liquor you helpofraise a resilient child-- I know you won’t mind.” by providing them with materials to may themselves be man’s and worst help “Alcohol them express enemy, but the strategies.

Bible says Donalove your develop coping enemy,” American and tions cansobesaid done via banksinger deposit Oscar-winning Frank Sinatra. with the detailsactor below:

Unilab Foundation, Inc. – BPI Mandaluyong – Account number 0181-0489-72 (Swift code: BOPIPHM). Please send a photo of your deposit slip to: headsup@ unilabfoundation.org.

You may also donate via PayPal at healthierPH@unilabfoundation. org and send a screenshot of your transaction to headsup@unilabfoundation.org.

For suggestions and inquiries on the event including partnership and sponsorship opportunities, may or, in some cases, that men asyou human visit the Bayanihan for WellBeing beings can also become victims”, the Facebook page for more details. You Court added. may also contact Camille MenThe Court further stressed that doza at 0917-867-4169 or Jefferson “it may be said that violence in the Hilario at 0917-326-2092. context of intimate relationships Together, let’s build a mentally should not be seen and encrusted as healthy Philippines, one family at a gender issue, rather it is a power a time.

MALE SEAFARERS AS VICTIMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

ability benefits, damages and attorney’s fees claiming that he is rendered permanently and totally disabled due to his post-traumatic stress disorder caused by his unfortunate experience onboard the vessel.

Exercising is outside is the The court, however, denied generally safe.

Pick a good claim for disability benefits because spot outside your house the pieces of evidence submittedand are stream your favorite music not sufficient to convince theorCourt workout from your smartphone. that he has been rendered permaRiding a bike around your neighnently and totally disabled. borhood also givesthe youCourt an exerNevertheless, ruled cise high!

Get the best workout that since a wrongful act was comgear (and check the new mitted against theout seafarer due Foldy to the London folding bike) in Chris sexual harassment he suffered at the Sportsofinthe SMchief Lanang Premier. hands officer , he is entiDeclutter and get from tled to the income for thecash unexpired your trash.

Sift through portion of the contract, moral damagthe mess in exemplary your roomdamages of P100,000,00, or home garage and es, and attorney’s fees find items

the only victims of sexual harassment. It is high-time that this notion is corrected. To consider women as the weaker sex is discriminatory. To think that only women can be victims of sexual harassment is discriminamarkets likemen SM’swho Trash tosuffered Cash tory against have program.

Bring plastic and PET the same plight; men who have been bottles, tin and aluminum cans, victimized by sexual predators,” the old books Court said. and newspapers and scratch papers, cookware Seafarers aremetal exposed to various and kitchen items and sell these forms of discrimination, exploitation, for someharassment, cash. This recycling sexual and violence, market happens every first Friday which may partly be attributed to the and Saturday of the month in SM confined space on board vessels.

Lanang Openof Parking ThePremier’s isolated nature the ship D, and in SM City Davao’s Open can increase opportunities for sexuParking C. al harassment and violence, and can Pampertheir yourself after aconsealso amplify negative long day of work.

Book a quences. spa date with a bestie get the Sexual harassment may take

HOW TO GET BUSY WITH YOUR BESTIES

you can try:

family, told France 3 television.

“Drunkenness has killed more men than all of the history’s wars,” commented American military general John Joseph Pershing, who had been to several wars -- and even came to the Philippines in 1899.

American President Abraham Lincoln added: ‘Drink is a cancer in human society; eating out its vital and threatening its destruction.”

James R. Stuart deplored, “I would rather own stock in hell than in a brewery. He’ll receive the poor fellow after he’s debauched. The brewery takes aim in his innocence, debauches him and prepares him for hell.”

Oscar Wilde said on what happened when a person drinks: “After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.” them grow up to become confident Historically, people drank alcoand resilient individuals,” added hol when they could get it: as food, in Aristorenas. place of fetid water; as relief from the The 2-day conference will have miserysessions of life; to chase pleasure three that willafter be delving -- at different births, weddings festivals. into aspects ofand Filipino Wine poured down theawareness pagan hatch, family wellbeing, raise Dionysian Alcohol on its valueand andBacchanalian. impact on the

1 2

that you can sell in recycling

3

a hand or foot spa to ease your

opinion in Garcia v. Drilon, (712 Phil issue. Thus, when laws are not gen44, 2013) which recognized the exis- der-neutral, male victims of domestic tence of violence against men and the violence may also suffer from double underreporting of such incidents. victimization first by their abusers The Court said that “social and and second by the judicial system. cultural expectations on masculini- Incidentally, focusing on women was ty and male dominance urge men to the victims entrenches some level of keep quiet about being a victim, add- heteronormativity. It is blind to the ing to the unique experience of male possibility that, whatever moral posivictims of domestic abuse. This leads tions are taken by those who are domto latent depression among boys and inant, in reality intimate relationships men. In a sense, patriarchy while priv- can also happen between men.” ileging men, also victimizes them” At its core, sexual harassment is “There is now more space to not an issue of gender but an issue of believe that portraying only women power. as victims will not always promote Atty. Gorecho heads the seaGather friends and headthe over to SM for to Cash, a monthly recycling market genderyour equality before law.

It Trash farers’ division of the Sapalo Velez that encourages communities to follow best waste management practices by bringing sometimes aggravates the gap by con- Bundang Bulilan law offices. For stress at Nailandia in SM Lanang Enjoy theemail manyinfo@sapalovelez. ways to stay ceding that women have always been comments, Premier and SM City Davao. productive and connected whileor dominated by men.

In doing so, itCall ren- com, or call 09175025808 285 0943 or 297 6998.

It’s ainvisible; great staying safe and keeping tabs ders empowered women 09088665786)

bonding experience, really!

with your general well being.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Why do Hospitals need UPS? A

s one of the world’s most vital sectors, healthcare has various equipment and infrastructure that require a constant and reliable power supply. Even a power shortage or blackout for a few moments can immediately have devastating consequences. A continuous power supply helps healthcare workers take better care of patients and ensures that they can quickly answer the calls for emergency.

As a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, Vertiv Philippines Inc. believes that an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is paramount in pro-

viding these facilities with the emergency power it needs during power outages.

When hospitals do not have backup power supplies, it can have adverse

effects on many people in the facility. Unlike other businesses, hospitals would have financial and work losses and potential downtime cost, patient dissatisfaction, and productivity issues due to power cuts.

Hospitals are usually equipped with backup generators to ensure it has a power supply in case of emergencies. However, it can take time to power the whole facility, which can be costly for the people inside.

Installing UPS systems around these healthcare facilities can prevent costly downtime since it can provide instant, short-term

I. Lao said the new municipal hall helped them to efficiently address the needs of their constituents, particularly in the delivery of medical services, cash subsidies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as well as processing of birth certificates and business permits, among others.

“Talagang napakalaking tulong ng LANDBANK. Kung hindi dahil sa LANDBANK imposible na ma-attain namin ‘yung status namin ngayon na mayroong ng maayos na mga kalsada, infrastructure, at municipal hall na nagresulta sa magandang serbisyo ng lokal na pamahalaan sa aming constituents,” Mayor Lao said.

The heavy equipment purchased the following year, which includes an excavator, pay loader and grader, are continuously being uti-

lized by the LGU in the construction of new roads and the periodic maintenance of existing gravel roads, ensuring easy access and timely transport of goods from farms to the market, and reducing transportation costs for local farmers.

Meanwhile, Lumbatan’s new municipal hall will house government offices and serve as a one-stopshop in delivering public services. This will bring greater convenience to residents in accessing different government agencies for various transactions.

Aside from delivering financial support to the country’s agriculture sector, LANDBANK through the years has become a reliable partner of LGUs in driving local development. The Bank’s loans to LGUs have translated to programs and projects that deliver responsive social and civic services to communities across the

power supply until the generators are fully operational.

It can also improve all electrical systems' reliability and efficiency in the facility, sustaining critical services for patients and healthcare workers.

Boosting multiple backup power supplies may seem redundant. However, it ensures that scenarios like critical surgery operations, patients with life-support, and other urgent care instances are safe from power outages. Simultaneously, it also protects equipment where vital information of patients from electrical damages that causes data

LGU eyes unified social services, improved road network with support from LANDBANK

L

UMBATAN, Lanao del Sur – Pursuing major development projects to help boost its local economy has always been a challenge to this 4th class municipality in Southern Philippines due to limited financial resources, impeding the delivery of public services and hampering the movement of goods in its agriculture-based economy of largely rice and corn farming.

But this year, the landlocked municipality is set to complete construction of its newly constructed two-storey municipal hall, funded through two term loans amounting to P74 million from Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) in 2015. The loan also allowed the local government unit (LGU) to purchase three (3) units of heavy equipment for road construction and improvements.

Lumbatan Mayor Allan

losses.

In the end, no one can predict when these power outages may occur. The only thing people can do is prepare for these possibilities that can ruin the hospitals' functionality due to power disruption. A UPS can help cope up with such difficulties and help save lives. So, whatever the situation be, they can stay resilient.

At Vertiv, we have always been dedicated to innovating solutions for industries in need of uninterrupted power supplies. Our fullrange Leibert UPS, which are future-proof, eco-friendly, and highly efficient, aims

The 4th class Municipality of Lumbatan in Lanao del Sur now enjoys improved road network and unified social services after the municipal government acquired heavy equipment (inset) and country.

“LANDBANK recognizes the significant role of the LGU sector in realizing inclusive and sustainable growth. We will continue to actively support our LGUs in rolling out programs and projects that help boost local economies, and generate positive impact on the quality of life of our fellow

to help facilities, no matter the size, improve uptime while bearing in mind specific requirements of specific equipment needs to work effortlessly.

Vertiv also brings together cutting-edge solutions to ensure uninterrupted operations, optimal performance, as well as the scalability of data centers, communication networks, and other critical IT facilities.

To learn more about how Vertiv supports the continuity of today's vital e-learning and other business applications, visit Vertiv.com.

built a two-storey municipal hall through two term loans it availed from Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).

Filipinos,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

As of December 31, 2020, LANDBANK has extended loans to LGUs amounting to P54.47 billion, with P19.86 billion of this representing loans to finance agri-aqua projects, which include farm-to-market roads, slaughterhouses,

and irrigation systems.

For more information about LANDBANK’s Lending Programs, interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO or a country with more than 7,000 islands and surrounded by waters, it is unlikely for the Philippines to experience water shortage. But the truth is, it has and experts fear the problem will get worse in the coming years.

F

In the past, Filipinos could drink tap water directly from their faucets. Such is not the case anymore. More and more people are buying mineral water just to quench their thirst. Plastic bottles of water are being sold in bus terminals and even in sidewalks.

“The image of water-rich Philippines is a mirage,” declared Gregory C. Ira, who used to be the head of the Water Equity in the Lifescape and Landscape Study (WELLS) program of the Silang-based International Institute of Rural Reconstruction. “There is a water crisis in the Philippines, one of the wettest countries of Southeast Asia.”

Metro Manila, home to more than 10 million people, is “currently experiencing water deficits,” notes a World Bank report.

Citing a study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the metropolis had an annual water demand of 1,068 million cubic meters (MCM) in 1995.

The demand will more than double by 2025 to 2,883 MCM. Residents of Davao City, the country’s largest urban center in terms of land area, may soon wake up without water flowing from their faucets.

From an annual water demand of 50 MCM in 1995, this will increase to triple as the demand is forecasted to be 153 MCM. Metro Cebu, the main urban center of the province of Cebu, is even more critical. The annual water demand will more than quadruple: from 59 MCM in 1995 to 342 MCM in 2025.

These three major cities were cited in the JICA study as among the nine “water critical areas.” The six other cities included were Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga. “All major cities, except Angeles and Iloilo, show a water supply deficit until 2025,” the study said.

Among the Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines ranks second the lowest in terms of per capita water availability per year with only 1,907 cubic meters, ac-

cording to the Washington, D.C.based World Resources Institute.

Thailand ranked first with only 1,854 cubic meters.

According to the World Bank, areas where the capita water supply drops below 1,700 cubic meters per year experience water stress while areas with per capita water supply below 1,000 cubic meters per year are already experiencing water scarcity.

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life,” said Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project.

Ideally, a person should have at least 50 liters of water each day to meet basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning.

Postel believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human future. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she said in an exclusive interview. “We can transition away from coal and oil to

solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Although water is a renewable resource, it is also a finite one. Less than 3% of the world’s

ENVIRONMENT

9

PHILIPPINES FACING SHORTAGE OF WATER water is fresh, and more than 75% of this is frozen – mainly at the North and South Poles. Of the remaining freshwater, 98% lies underground. People and land-dwelling animals can only access about 0.01% of all the world’s water.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, if all the earth’s water were to fit in a gallon jug (4 liters), the available freshwater would be just over one tablespoon. “Water is not like oil: there is no substitute,” reminded Mark Rosegrant, a senior research fellow at the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute.

Water is one of the natural resources the Philippines is endowed with. Its water resources include inland freshwater (rivers, lakes, and groundwater) and marine (bay, coastal, and oceanic waters). “Overall, there is sufficient water but not enough in highly populated areas, especially during dry season,” notes the World Bank.

Among these water sources, groundwater plays a significant role.

The National Water Resource Bureau reports groundwater contributes 14% of the total water resource potential in the country. The extraction potential is estimated at 20,200 MCM per year.

“Groundwater is used for drinking by about 50% of the people in the country,” World Bank states.

Almost half (49%) of groundwater is consumed by the domestic sector, followed by agriculture (32%), industry (15%) and other sectors (4%).

“In terms of sectoral demand, agriculture has a high demand of 85%, while industry and domestic have a combined demand of only 15%,” the World Bank points out.

As water can be accessed anytime, anywhere, people seem to take it for granted.

“Today, we withdraw water far faster than it can be recharged – unsustainably mining what was once a renewable resource,” deplored Janet Abramovitz, of the Worldwatch Institute.

“We are consuming water that belongs to future generations,” decried Lester R. Brown, head of the Earth Policy Institute.

In the Philippines, it’s not just inconsiderate withdrawal that is causing water shortage. “Population growth, urbanization, and industrialization reduce the quality of Philippine waters, especially in densely populated areas and regions,” the World Bank states.

Polluting the water sources compounds the problem. Among the three main sources of water pollution are domestic (municipal), industrial, and agricultural. “They can be classified further as either point sources, which emit harmful substances directly into the body of water, or nonpoint sources, which are scattered and deliver pollutants indirectly,” the World Bank explains.

Domestic effluents are generated by activities such as bathing, cleaning, sanitation, laundry, cooking, washing, and other kitchen activities. Domestic wastewater contains a large amount of organic waste with suspended solids and coliforms.

Industrial wastewater may be organic and/or inorganic.

Most industries discharge large amounts of wastewater such as food and dairy manufacturing; pulp, paper and paperboard products; and textile products, and others.

Most of the domestic and industrial wastewaters are prevalent in urban areas. In the rural areas, the major source of water pollution is agricultural farms.

Among the polluting materials are organic wastes like decayed plants, livestock manure, and dead animals; soil loss in the form of suspended solids; and pesticides and fertilizer residues.

“Untreated wastewater affects health by spreading disease-causing bacteria and viruses, makes water unfit for drinking

and recreational use, threatens biodiversity, and deteriorates overall quality of life,” the World

Bank stresses.

As a result, water-borne diseases are here to stay. “Known diseases caused by poor water include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis,” the World Bank says.

“The number of water-related health outbreaks including deaths reported in newspapers is going up.”

Another concern related to water shortage is the deterioration of watersheds in most parts of the country. “Watershed supply water according to the requirements of various domestic and industrial water and irrigation systems, as well as hydroelectric dams,” the World Bank states.

The diminishing forest cover is identified as “one of the most formidable environmental challenges” the country is facing today. “Of the country’s total forestland area of 15.88 million hectares, only 5.4 million hectares of these are left with old growth forests,” the World Bank deplores.

Denuding the forest of its cover and inappropriate land use practices have disrupted the hydrological condition of watersheds, “resulting in accelerated soil erosion, siltation of rivers and valuable reservoirs, increased incidence and severity of flooding, and decreasing supply of potable water.”

Water shortage is real. Something must be done soon to solve this problem before it will esca-

late.

“World demand for water doubles every 21 years, but the volume available is the same as it was in the Roman times,” said Sir Crispin Tickell, former British ambassador to the United Nations and one of the organizers of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “Something has got to give.”

So much so that some companies are trying to help abet the forthcoming water crisis as their corporate social responsibility. Take the case of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the country’s largest corporation in terms of revenue.

Some years back, SMC launched its “water sustainability initiative,” which aimed to cut by 50% all domestic and utility use of water across all its businesses by 2025. In a press statement, SMC outlines four methods to accomplish its objective: Eliminate wastage of water across its operations: “We will adopt new and stricter measures to improve the efficiency of our water use, as well as utilize water-saving technologies and implement conservation programs.”

Reuse and recycle more water: “We will optimize all our wastewater treatment facilities to further lessen our water footprint. We commit to make greater use of treated greywater for non-essential purposes.”

Reduce its use of ground and surface water and protect vital water resources: “We will continue to lessen our use of ground and surface water, protect these water sources, and empower our communities to do the same.”

Harvest rainwater: “We will harvest rainwater and runoff water from creeks and rivers – collecting, filtering, and storing it for irrigation and for various other purposes. We hope that others will follow our example.”

10 EDGEDAVAO Dev’t programs eyed 3 Covid-19 vaccines set for BARMM’s youth to start PH clinical trials Y T

VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

hree coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines are expected to hold clinical trials in the country either February or March, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato

de la Peña said Thursday.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, de la Peña said Clover, Janssen, and Sinovac already got approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct the clinical trial

neighborhood and to 92 low and middle-income countries, including the Philippines, covered by the COVAX facility," it said.

The EU has so far secured a portfolio of about 2.3 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines for its citizens.

Its contracts include about 400 million doses of vaccines with AstraZeneca, 300 million with Sanofi-GSK, 400 million with Johnson and Johnson, 600 million with BioNTech-Pfizer, 405 million with CureVac, and

160 million with Moderna.

It also concluded exploratory talks with Novavax, eyeing to procure up to 200 million doses from the company and with Valneva with a view to purchasing up to 60 million doses.

Should all vaccines candidates turn out to be safe and effective, the EU member states "have the possibility to donate part of their doses to lower and middle-income countries," the delegation said. (PNA)

medicine and infectious disease.

The functions of the committee include, among others, the review of all reported serious and minor cluster AEFI cases presented for expert opinion and provide final causality assessment of the AEFI cases; ensure evidence-based causality assessment by recommending further investigation and data collection as needed; and, make final decisions on causality assessment of inconclusive investigations.

It is also tasked to ensure that the standard protocols for AEFI surveillance and investigation are correctly followed; engage with other national experts when requirements arise in establishment of causality and vaccine quality issues; provide recommendations to the City Health Office (CHO) and Department of HealthDavao (DOH-Davao), Epidemiology Bureau and Food and Drug Administration on improving immunization service delivery, compliance with injection safety and effective vaccination management based on lessons from the AEFI cases; serve as technical advisory group to the CHO on vaccine and immunization safety-related issues; and serve as resource person in other AEFI related meetings, conferences or capacity-building activities as requested.

CHO acting head Dr. Ashley Lopez announced last January 20 that the city government will receive initial doses of Pfizer-manufactured vaccines by the last week of this month.

He said that the city government will also procure AZD1222, the vaccine jointly developed by the British firm with Oxford University, and has already initiated talks with Janssen Pharmaceuticals of Johnson & Johnson to procure additional vaccines.

The ordinance provides that the COVID-19 immunization program will apply to all residents of the city and non-residents who may be found within the territorial jurisdiction of the city during the effectivity of the program.

It added that the local government will follow a community-based framework in executing the program, which “will treat barangays and other community subsets as active partners in program execution in order to ensure thorough immunization coverage of persons, adequate and equitable access to the vaccine and proper post-immunization attention and monitoring.

The framework will be drafted by the CHO, as lead implementer of the vaccination program in the city, and DOH-Davao.

As of February 3, the DOH-Davao reported 17,680 new cases, with 2,753 active, 14,207 recoveries and 720 deaths.

Out of the total, Davao City reported 11,834 cases, with 9,801 recoveries and 560 deaths. Davao de Oro reported 924, Davao del Norte with 2,456, Davao del Sur with 1,218, Davao Occidental with 192 and Davao Oriental with 921. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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for about a month.

"Our role is to help them (vaccine makers) identify the (clinical trial) sites," he said, adding that he cannot announce the potential locations as part of the confidentiality agreement.

"We provided them with a list of possible sites. The LGUs (local government units) were also informed about this," he said.

One requirement is that the sites should be those with high incidence of Covid-19 for the last two weeks before the start of clinical trial.

De la Peña said LGUs should not spend anything for the clinical trial as this should be shouldered by the vaccine companies.

"LGUs are in charge of identifying where to get the volunteers," he said.

If any adverse effect would happen, de la Peña said the vaccine maker should also shoulder the insurance.

Meanwhile, de la Peña noted that the vaccine clinical trial is different from vaccine rollout since a clinical trial is still part of the vaccine's Phase 3 testing.

"This (clinical trial) would add data about the efficacy of the vaccine," he explained.

Clinical trials, he said, not only rely on the number of persons who participated, but also on different areas where these are held.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force Against Covid-19 are in charge of the vaccine rollout, de la Peña added.

The DOST chief mentioned that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) already committed to hasten the release of the vaccines once they arrive in the country.

"It is important that vaccines would reach the trial sites immediately. The sites have a storage facility," he said.

Town hall meetings were held last Jan. 29, Feb. 1 and 2 via Zoom to raise awareness about the clinical trials and answer queries.

These online meetings were attended by healthcare professionals and LGU officials of potential sites.

The DOST chief also mentioned that there is no schedule yet for World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Vaccine Trial for Covid-19.

"A meeting is set on Friday and hopefully there is definite news," he said.

(PNA)

outh leaders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are eyeing development programs for the region that would benefit young constituents.

This came as newly-appointed commissioners of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) gathered on Wednesday afternoon at the BARMM center here to discuss programs towards youth development in the region.

The newly-appointed commissioners included Marjanie Macasalong for Lanao del Sur; Nasserudin Dunding for Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and 63 barangays in North Cotabato; Moh. Faizal Alih for Sulu; Hamdie Tanjil for Basilan; and Pratima Samsaraji for Tawi-Tawi.

Spearheaded by the BYC’s Youth Coordinating Council (YCC), the meeting also included representatives of the various BARMM agencies in attendance to avoid duplication of programs for the region’s young people.

“The YCC is the venue for coordination between the BYC and the various BARMM ministries and instrumentalities in the implementation of youth-re-

lated projects, programs, and activities,” Macasalong, concurrent BYC chairperson, said.

“The council is also a platform to avoid duplication of projects and programs relating to youth by the different offices,” he added.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim officiated the oath-taking of the new regional youth commissioners online.

“This gathering essentially marks our shared work towards providing safe spaces and involvement of the youth towards building a bureaucracy that is inspired by the long history of the Bangsamoro and the tenets of moral governance,” Ebrahim said in his message.

Endorsed on the BYC’s first-ever YCC meeting were resolutions for the accreditation of youth organizations in the region and the adoption of agreements between the commission and other youth development partners.

Created by the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 10 in April 2019, the BYC is mandated to be the primary policy-making and coordinating body of the BARMM in all matters affecting the youth. (PNA)

said. “If a nominee withdraws his acceptance, he is no longer eligible to be re-nominated by the same party or be nominated by other parties."

In the case a nominee dies or becomes incapacitated, based on the resolution, notice and proof of his death must be filed with the Comelec within 10 days.

Only in cases of valid withdrawal and substitution, or death or incapacity, may alteration in the order of nominees still be allowed after filing. The name of the substitute-nominee will also be placed last on the list.

Also, parties are now required to publish, at their own expense, their new list of substitute-nominees, and to subsequently submit proof of publication to the Comelec.

“They have five days from the filing of the list of substitute-nominees to

cause its publication and three days from publication to submit proof of said publication. No substitution is valid unless these requirements are complied with,” it said.

Petitions to Deny Due Course and/or Cancellation of Nomination of Party-List Nominees must be submitted within 10 days from publication by the Comelec or within 10 days from the submission of proof of publication of substitute-nominees to the Comelec.

Meanwhile, Petitions for Disqualification of Party-List Nominees must be filed not later than the date of proclamation.

“The Commission now has broader powers to disqualify or cancel the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) of a nominee,” it said.

“At any time before proclamation, any nominee who is disqualified, ineligible,

or lacks the qualification provided by law, or whose nomination is contrary to law and the rules, may be motu propio disqualified,” the Comelec added.

The deadline for the filing of Petitions for Registration and Manifestation of Intent to Participate in registering party-list groups, organizations, and coalitions is on March 31, 2021.

The same deadline has been fixed for existing party-list groups, organizations, and coalitions to file their Manifestation of Intent to Participate.

The resolution added that Opposition to Petitions for Registration must be filed not later than the date when the case is submitted for resolution, while Petitions to Deny Due Course to a Manifestation of Intent to Participate must be filed within 10 days from its date of publication. (PNA)

Comelec updates implementing rules, regulations for party-list polls

T

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) has updated the implementing rules and regulations on the party-list elections next year.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10690 released on Thursday, party-list groups have been ordered to file before the poll body a complete list of at least five nominees and other required documents in Section 3 of Resolution No. 10690, within the same period designated for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy under the Calendar of Activities for the 2022 national and local elections.

As for the substitution of party-list nominees because of withdrawal, the Comelec has set the deadline on Nov. 15, 2021.

“However, if it’s by reason of death or incapacity, substitution is allowed until mid-day of Election Day,” it

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11

(Left) Baser Amer of Davao City and (right) Mac Belo of Midsayap, Cotabato Province.

Mindanao boys in latest PBA trade

A

nother blockbuster Philippine Basketball Association trade was consummated on Thursday, this time involving Meralco and Blackwater and two cagers from Mindanao.

In the swap approved by the league's trade committee, the Bolts acquired Midsayap native Mac Belo

from the team now known as the Bossing in exchange for Dabawenyo cager Baser Amer and Bryan Faundo.

Rockets bounce back, beat Grizzlies

Initially, Meralco and Blackwater agreed on a straight up Amer-Belo trade, but Meralco somehow sweetened the pot by adding Faundo.

On why he desired to get Belo to his team, Bolts coach Norman Black said: "We recruited Mac Belo because our front court is one

of the areas where we need depth."

Black's explanation makes an interesting case as his club let go of Faundo, who has been one of their veteran big men and "a really important part of the Bolts" according to Black.

However, the multi-titled coach added, "To gain

something of value, you unfortunately must lose something of value as well.

We thank Baser and Bryan, and we recognize all of their contributions."

In a statement, Meralco said: "We believe this trade is beneficial to both teams and will provide both players (Amer and Faundo)

competitive environments to showcase their talents. As an organization, we remain committed to fair and exciting competition."

The Philippine News Agency sought comment from Blackwater coach Nash Racela, but he declined to react on the swap. (PNA)

J

ohn Wall scored 22 points, Eric Gordon added 20 and the Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 115-103 on Thursday night.

Jae’Sean Tate had a season-high 19 points for Houston, while Christian Wood scored 17 points on 7-of10 shooting before rolling his right ankle in the third quarter. He did not return.

Rookie Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 16 points, while Ja Morant added 15. Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke finished with 13 each as Memphis lost its second straight.

Both teams lost by big margins in their previous games, ending extended winning streaks. But Houston showed no carryover from its 17-point loss at Oklahoma City on Wednesday. After shooting 26% from 3-point range against the Thunder, the Rockets were 19 of 45 (42.2%) against Memphis.

The game got away from the Grizzlies late in the first half as the Rockets used 18-4 run to carry a 6047 lead into the break. The Grizzlies endured stretches of poor shooting in the half as Houston connected on 51% of its shots including 9 of 18 from outside the arc.

Tate scored 12 of his 15 first-half points in the second quarter.

Houston expanded its lead to 25 points early in the third quarter.

When the advantage reached 25 again with just more than five minutes left, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins gave his starters the rest of the night off.

Houston Rockets guard John Wall, left, handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Ateneo center Ange Kouame dunks during a UAAP Season 82 game against National University. UAAP Media

Who are you fooling?

A

panel in the House of Representatives has just approved the naturalization of former Ateneo center Angelo Kouame and a Congressman said the Philippines now has the most formidable frontline to compete against America and other countries in the 2023 World Cup. Reacting to the approval of Kouame's Filipino citizenship, Valenzuela 2nd District Rep. Eric Martinez said: “We saw you in Ateneo and the way you grabbed those rebounds and the defense. With Kai Sotto and Ange Kouame together in 2023 in Manila, I think we will have the most formidable frontline ready to compete against America and other countries."

I personally don't know the basketball expertise of this lawmaker but to say the least that we now can compete against USA and European teams is unshakeably delusional.

Hoop fans may call me killjoy but everytime I hear a comment placing Philippine basketball in the same conversation with the best in the world is simply bordering on illusion.

Don't fool us. Don't fool yourselves.

The hard truth is, even with Kai Sotto maturing into a giant with a good outside chance of getting drafted in the PBA in the future in tow, we are still not in the same level as mid-rung countries in the FIBA hierarchy. Let alone put USA, Lithuania, Spain, Greece and Serbia in the discussion.

Angelo Kouame is a good, young player. But to put him side by side with young players like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antotekounmpo and Zion Williamson -- all three I believe could be playing in the World Cup 2023 -- is self-deception and false hope.

We recognize the decision of the House Committee on Justice which gave the nod granting Kouame and fotballer Bienvenido Marañon Filipino citizenship on Thursday.

The approval meant a step forward into the requirement for the athletes to compete under the Philippine flag.

The Ivorian cager Kouame's naturalization could get the last hurdle at the Lower House on Monday when his case is tackled before the House plenary. The committee report on House Bill No. 5951 filed by Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno was filed in December last year seeking to grant Kouame Filipino citizenship. Kouame has been living in the country since 2016 which makes him different from other athletes who were given naturalized citizenship.

The move is in anticipation of the Philippines hosting the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with Japan and Indonesia.

In passing the measure, Puno explained that the objective to naturalize Kouame is to “create a pool of naturalized players” if another player gets injured or if certain problems with players arise."

At least, Puno is more sensible in his objective.

But why Kouame?

Is it only because he was outstanding with Ateneo? Or is it because naturalizing a legitimate NBA player costs hefty sum?

House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero, himself a basketball player and PBA team owner, said in order for the Philippines to compete in international tournaments, it must naturalize an NBA-caliber player.

Romero had filed a bill pushing for the naturalization of Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee, and also supported the measure granting citizenship to Kouame.

In fairness to Kouame, the young cager's desire to play for the country is unquestionable and he may have found himself a greener pasteur in the Philippines than going home.